KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 14, 2026

Student Affairs recognized student leadership, service, and involvement at the annual Student Leadership Awards.

Kennesaw State recognized outstanding student leaders, organizations, and campus partners during the 11th annual Student Leadership Awards on April 13 in the Carmichael Student Center University Rooms.

Hosted by Student Affairs, the annual event celebrates individuals and groups who have made a meaningful impact on the campus community through leadership, service, and involvement. This year, the awards committee received more than 300 nominations across 20 award categories, showcasing the depth of student engagement across campus.

“KSU is home to a vibrant culture of involvement – one that extends both inside and outside of the classroom and is felt across campus and beyond,” said Dr. Eric Arneson, vice president for Student Affairs.

Leadership at KSU ranges from guiding student organizations and fostering inclusive spaces to supporting peers and enhancing campus life. The Student Leadership Awards highlight these contributions and the efforts that strengthen the campus community.

“We are incredibly proud of all of our nominees,” Arneson said. “Truly, everyone in this room has made a significant contribution to the KSU community.”

Among the evening’s top honorees was the Black Musicians Coalition, which was a standout winner for its production, “The Blueprint: Black to Love.” The production was recognized for its powerful celebration of identity, storytelling, and artistic expression through a dynamic blend of music, dance, and narrative.

Another major honoree of the evening was the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), recognized for multiple impactful programs, including “Generations on the Move”, “Galentines”, and “ALPFA Juventud.”

Two members of the Kennesaw Excellence Society were honored as Claudia Garavis Montagut won the Community and School Spirit award and Shifa Jiwani took home the Overall Emerging Leader award.

Awards were presented across individual, program, and student organization categories. In addition, the Golden Owl Trophy winners were announced, and students who completed Scrappy’s Bucket List and recipients of the OwlsServe honors were recognized for their achievements. Congratulations to all the winners.

Civic Engagement Award

• Student: Mary Mitchelson
• Group: Tau Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Program: “Generations on the Move”, Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)

Community and School Spirit Award

• Student: Claudia Garavis Montagut
• Group: Student Government Association
• Program: “Galentines”, Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)

Innovation Award

• Student: Marco Cruz-Coronado
• Group: Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHPE)
• Program: “The Blueprint: Black to Love”, Black Musicians Coalition

Scrappy’s Bucket List Completers 

Through their commitment to completing 63 items from the Scrappy’s Bucket List, these students built meaningful connections, created lasting memories with peers, and deepened their engagement with KSU’s community and resources.

• Cecilia Akins
• Adaija Childs
• Landon Conley
• Courtney Everett
• Rouse Moreno Gomez
• Kayley Nelson
• Stephen Pangilinan
• Malina Patel
• Lydia Pruett
• Jayla Walker
• Amanda Wallace

OwlsServe Awards

OwlsServe Awards, honoring students who have shown a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism during their time at KSU. These awards are presented at three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—representing the completion of 100, 175, and 250 service hours. 

SILVER (175-250 hours):

• Soojin Lee

BRONZE (100-175 hours): 

• Fatma Diouf
• Chaathurya Nakkana

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE:

• 0-50 members: Zeta Phi Beta
• 51-100 members: Gamma Phi Beta
• 101+ members: Alpha Omicron Pi

REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:

• 0-50 members: Students Overcoming Adversity with Resources
• 51-100 members: Lifesavers at KSU
• 101+ members: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)